This year, we found the Mesa County Fair Goat show
had really grown!
There was much stiffer competition, which was good news—it means more youngsters are getting the opportunity to raise and show these beautiful animals. But it also means that it was tougher for each student to achieve a ribbon.
The classes were so large that many of them had to be cut down goat-by-goat so the judge could make a decision. In some cases, he divided the classes in two, eliminated several, then brought back the top four or five from each to make a final decision.
Max entered a new age group this year, and showed for the first time in the Intermediate Showmanship class (rather than the Junior class, where he showed last year).
Max preparing for the Intermediate Showmanship class.
This was one of the larger classes that was split into two. He made the cut the first time around, so he was able to return and show his wether, Almond, in the final class.
Max qualifies for Intermediate Showmanship final round.
Asa did a great job showing Sherman in his market goat class.
Asa walking Sherman.
You can see how large the classes were!
Asa with Sherman.
Here’s Hailey in her final year of showing (she just graduated from Palisade High School—congratulations!) with her wether Spitlout.
Hailey showing Spitlout.
With that beautiful smile, Hailey will do great as she goes on to College at CMU.
Hailey & Spitlout.
The next event was the annual favorite “parents show the wethers” class. Of course our favorite parent showing was Jake. Just look at the great job he is doing showing Sherman!
Jake & Sherman.
But oh my, the judge was Kolby Russell, and he was tough. Uh-oh, watch out Jake — here comes the judge!
Kolby doing the Judging.
When the ribbons were handed out, Jake moved down from the 2nd-place win he achieved last year to 3rd place this year. It sure wasn’t for lack of effort! We thought he did a great job, but the last word went to Kolby.
As we said, the competition was really tough this year. Better luck next year Jake. Perhaps with a few showing lessons from your kids? (grin)
Eliana did a super job showing Dagger, and you can tell how much she enjoys those goats.
Eliana showing Dagger.
She was all smiles all the way through the whole show! We loved watching her.
Eliana with Dagger. We loved her smile.
Judah has a goat he named Fishlegs. This one had a nice long formation there.
Judah with Fishlegs.
Judah handled him very well. You could tell he had put the work into this animal.
Judah & Fishlegs.
Kolby did a great job showing his wether, H-2.
Kolby showing H-2.
He ended up taking 1st place in his class with his market goat, which qualified him to come back and compete for Grand Champion.
Kolby takes 1st place with H-2.
When he returned with H-2, he took Reserve Grand Champion Mesa County’s Finest. Great job Kolby! H-2 is the full brother to Harry, who took Grand Champion Mesa County’s Finest in 2017. (Read that post here.)
Kolby w_Reserve Grand Champion H-2.
Last but certainly not least, those chosen from the Intermediate Showmanship class came back for the final selections. Max with his wether, Almond, took Reserve Grand Champion Intermediate Showmanship! We were so excited for him.
Max & Almond—Reserve Grand Champion.
Way to go for your first year in the Intermediate Class Max. Congratulations!
Max Reserve Grand Champion belt buckle.
And congratulations to all of this year’s 4-H students. You did such a wonderful job. The goats looked beautiful and each student looked professional and controlled in the ring. You can feel proud of your work. We hope to see you back next year!
